Stop linking crime to religion, ethnicity – NSCIA cautions Nigerians

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has expressed concern over attempts to portray Nigerian Muslims as perpetrators of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes. In a statement to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the council said such religious profiling is false, misleading and unfair to the overwhelming majority of peace-loving Muslims who contribute to […]

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has expressed concern over attempts to portray Nigerian Muslims as perpetrators of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

In a statement to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the council said such religious profiling is false, misleading and unfair to the overwhelming majority of peace-loving Muslims who contribute to national development across all sectors.

The statement, signed by its spokesperson Abbas Jimoh, said recent efforts by some individuals and groups to associate Islam and Muslims with criminal activities were unjust and dangerous to national unity.

It also cited the recent kidnapping incident in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, noting that early attempts to link the crime to a particular ethnic or religious group had proven inaccurate.

The council stressed that criminal acts should not be given ethnic or religious colouration, adding that suspects should be identified and prosecuted based on evidence and not identity.

It also raised concern over the broader security challenges facing the country, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, which it said continue to claim lives, displace communities and hinder development.

The NSCIA condemned all forms of violence and urged those involved to abandon criminal activities, while expressing sympathy for victims and their families.

It called on the media and opinion leaders to report responsibly and avoid narratives capable of deepening divisions or mistrust among Nigerians.

The council commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts in tackling insecurity and called for greater cooperation to restore peace.